Chlorpyrifos was a widely used pesticide in the United States since the 1960s until it was finally banned for use on food products by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in February 2022. For decades, however, farmworkers and other people were exposed to the dangerous substance. Countless scientific studies have shown that chlorpyrifos exposure is associated with severe neurological disorders, especially in unborn babies and children.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a neurological disorder or another serious medical condition and have a history of chlorpyrifos exposure, Wool Trial Law LLC can help. Our practice is dedicated to holding negligent pesticide manufacturers accountable through product liability and toxic tort lawsuits. From our office in Denver, we represent harmed victims around the country. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
What is Chlorpyrifos?
Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate nerve agent insecticide patented by Dow Chemical Co. in 1965, has been widely used to control many different kinds of pests including termites, mosquitoes, and roundworms. Sold under the brand names Cobalt, Dursban, Lock-on, and Lorsban, the chemical was applied to various crops and was also widely used to treat golf courses, nurseries, and other non-agricultural settings.
Before chlorpyrifos was banned, billions of pounds of the insecticide were sprayed on all types of crops, including:
- Corn
- Soybeans
- Almonds
- Citrus
- Cotton
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cranberries
- Walnuts
- Apples
- Strawberries
The insecticide causes nerve cells to malfunction, eventually killing the pests. However, chlorpyrifos can also be harmful to humans if it is touched, inhaled, or ingested.
In February 2020, Corteva Agriscience (formerly Dow AgroSciences) announced that it would stop selling chlorpyrifos. The company said that the decision was driven by financial considerations, not safety concerns. Those financial considerations were related to the reduced demand for the insecticide after the European Union voted in December 2019 to end the sale of chlorpyrifos in the EU after Jan. 31, 2020
How Are Victims Exposed to Chlorpyrifos?
Farmworkers involved in mixing and spraying the insecticide and handling crops are most at risk of chlorpyrifos exposure. However, individuals living in the vicinity of farms where the insecticide was routinely used have also been exposed. Others have been exposed to chlorpyrifos by eating produce and drinking water contaminated with the chemical.
Chlorpyrifos can leach into water supplies by running off farms during the rain and flowing into groundwater or drifting in the air. In short, chlorpyrifos exposure has occurred in the following ways:
- Skin absorption
- Inhaling airborne particles
- Drinking contaminated water
- Ingesting food with chemical residue
- Absorption by unborn babies whose mothers were exposed to it during pregnancy
The danger of chlorpyrifos exposure is especially severe for developing fetuses and children under 2 years old.
Sadly, most victims are not aware they have been exposed to residues of the insecticide on food and contamination in drinking water. According to the EPA, hazardous amounts of chlorpyrifos contamination have been discovered in every state, with the highest levels being in agricultural areas.
The Harmful Effects of Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos has been linked to a wide range of severe, life-threatening health problems in children, including:
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Brain damage
- Low IQ
- Developmental problems
- Neurological problems
- Tremors
Long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos may also cause serious side effects in adults, such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Lung cancer
- Endometriosis
If you believe you or your child may have been injured due to exposure to chlorpyrifos, you may be able to pursue meaningful compensation through a product liability lawsuit against the pesticide makers and other responsible parties.
Why Choose Us for Product Liability Litigation
At Wool Trial Law, we have extensive experience handling chlorpyrifos product liability lawsuits and a demonstrated track record of winning significant settlements and jury awards. When you consult with us, we will assess the merits of your claim and choose the best course of action.
Our attorneys will conduct an extensive investigation to identify the source of the exposure that caused harm to you or your child and work strategically to build a successful case. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against the chlorpyrifos manufacturer and/or distributor or the owner or lessee of the property that contaminated the air or drinking water with the insecticide.
We will rely on scientific studies to show how chlorpyrifos exposure is linked to your health problems. The fact that the EPA has banned the insecticide will help in proving the responsible parties are liable. Above all, we will fight to help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve, which includes damages such as:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitative costs
- Present and future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
While many product liability claims can be settled through negotiations, we are fully prepared to try cases in state and federal courts around the country. Rest assured, we will work in your bests interests at all times and fight to protect your rights.
Contact Our Experienced Denver-based Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Litigation Attorney
At Wool Trial Law, we have the skills and determination to hold negligent parties accountable for the serious harm caused by exposure to chlorpyrifos. Lead attorney David Wool has a well-earned reputation as a battle-ready toxic tort lawyer who fights to protect pesticide injury victims. Contact our office today to learn how we can help.